FA Cup Semi-Finals and WCL Last Four Headline a Blockbuster Football Weekend

This weekend offers a feast of football action, with FA Cup semi-finals, Women's Champions League drama, and pivotal Premier League battles. Our rolling blog brings you all the latest updates, analysis, and fan interaction.

Key Takeaways

• FA Cup semi-finals: Manchester City face Southampton on Saturday; Chelsea meet Leeds on Sunday.
• Women's Champions League: Arsenal host Lyon in the first leg of their semi-final on Sunday.
• Premier League title race: Arsenal can reclaim top spot with a win over Newcastle, while City focus on the FA Cup.
• Relegation scrap: Tottenham and West Ham are fighting for Premier League survival.
• London Marathon: Over 59,000 runners take part, including 88-year-old Harry Newton.

Saturday's Action

FA Cup Semi-Final: Manchester City vs Southampton (5:15pm BST)

In-form Southampton put their promotion push on hold to face Premier League leaders Manchester City at Wembley. The Saints stunned Arsenal in the quarter-finals and will look to repeat the heroics of their 1976 FA Cup triumph. Manager Tonda Eckert has transformed the side since taking over in November, lifting them from 21st to fourth in the Championship (source).

Premier League: Arsenal vs Newcastle (5:30pm BST)

Arsenal can return to the top of the Premier League with a win against Newcastle. Mikel Arteta's side saw their nine-point lead evaporate, and City now lead on goals scored. This match is seen as a last chance for the Gunners, who have the easier run-in but must overcome a recent collapse. Newcastle have lost eight of their last 11 league matches (source).

Other Key Matches

• Fulham vs Aston Villa (12:30pm BST): Villa chase Champions League football; Fulham have failed to score in four of their last five home games.
• Women's Six Nations: England host Wales at Ashton Gate, with the Red Roses on a 35-match winning streak.
• Premier League clockwatch: Tottenham need a win at Wolves to avoid relegation, while West Ham face Everton.

Sunday's Highlights

FA Cup Semi-Final: Chelsea vs Leeds (3pm BST)

Chelsea are in turmoil after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior just four days before the match. The Blues are on a five-match losing streak and have not scored since 1912. Leeds, who beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road earlier this season, will look to exploit the disarray (source).

Women's Champions League Semi-Final: Arsenal vs Lyon (3:30pm BST)

Defending champions Arsenal face eight-time winners Lyon in a repeat of last season's semi-final. The Gunners won 5-3 on aggregate last year and will need to raise their game against a Lyon side that has not won a trophy since 2022 but is rejuvenated under Jonatan Giráldez (source).

London Marathon

Over 59,000 runners take part in the 46th edition, with 88-year-old Harry Newton among the participants. Sean Ingle reports from the elite races and the charity runners (source).

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